ADDRESS 


OF 


Bishop   Lyman 


TO   THE 


ANNUAL  CONVENTION 


OF  THE 


Diocese  oe  North  Carolina. 


1892. 


RALEIGH,  N.   C. 
Edwards  &  Broughton,  Printers  and  Binders. 


ADDRESS  Op  THE  BISHOP. 


Dear  Brethren  of  the  Clergy  and  Laity: 

Once  more  we  are  summoned  to  meet  in  annual  Conven- 
'  tion,  that  we  may  review  the  past  and  take  counsel  for  the 
future. 

Since  our  last  meeting  we  have  been  called  to  mourn  the 
loss  of  no  less  than  four  Bishops  of  our  Church,  viz. : 
Bishop  Knight  of  Milwaukee,  Bishop  Boone  of  China, 
Bishop  Galleher  of  Louisiana,  and  Bishop  Bedell,  the  late 
Bishop  of  Ohio.  All  were  zealous  workers  in  the  Master's 
vineyard,  and  have  left  behind  them  a  record  of  marked 
activity  and  faithfulness  in  the  discharge  of  their  responsi- 
ble duties.  With  the  exception  of  Bishop  Bedell,  the 
Episcopate  of  each  was  comparatively  a  short  one.  It  is 
an  unusual  occurrence  that  so  many  should  be  called  away 
in  less  than  a  single  year.  May  we  all  profit  by  the  sacred 
lesson,  that  in  "an  hour  when  we  think  not,  the  Son  of 
Man  cometh. "  In  our  own  Diocese,  we  have  quite  recently 
lost  the  most  aged  of  any  of  our  clergy,  the  Rev.  Aristides 
S.  Smith,  D.D.  He  was  well  known  and  highly  respected 
by  us  all.  It  was  only  within  the  last  year  or  two  that  his 
health  and  vigor  began  to  fail  him.  But  he  still  struggled 
on  amid  serious  bodily  infirmities,  and  to  the  last  seemed 
most  unwilling  to  give  up  active  work.  The  last  time  that 
I  met  him,  only  one  week  before  his  death,  and  when  his 
eye-sight  was  becoming  quite  dim,  I  found  him  bending 
over  his  table,  re-writing,  in  a  bolder  hand,  a  sermon  which 
he  hoped  to  preach.      A  more  faithful  worker  I  never  knew, 

3    H 


4  ADDRESS    OF   THE    BISHOP. 

and  very  few  were  better  equipped  for  the  work  of  the  min- 
istry in  both  classical  and  theological  learning.  He  wrote 
in  a  very  clear  and  instructive  style,  and  many  of  his  ser- 
mons were  admirably  suited  for  use  as  tracts  for  general 
circulation.  Long  will  he  be  held  in  affectionate  remem- 
brance for  his  high  and  sterling  qualities,  and  his  many 
amiable  and  attractive  characteristics. 

During  the  past  year  I  have  been  interrupted,  at  intervals, 
by  impaired  health  in  the  discharge  of  public  duties;  but  I 
am  glad  to  say  that  I  have  been  able  to  get  through  with 
a  much  longer  schedule  of  appointments  than,  at  one  time, 
I  thought  it  would  be  possible  for  me  to  undertake. 

My  first  official  act  was  in  Trinity  Church,  Asheville, 
on  the  evening  of  Thursday,  May  14th,  when,  after  Evening 
Prayer,  I  confirmed  thirteen  persons  and  addressed  them. 

On  the  next  day,  in  the  same  Parish,  I  confirmed,  in 
private,  a  sick  woman  and  her  brother. 

After  the  close  of  our  Convention,  I  went,  the  next  day 
to  Marion,  where,  on  Whitsunday,  May  17th,  I  consecrated 
St.  John's  Church,  preached  and  administered  the  Holy 
Communion.  The  deed  of  donation  and  the  sentence  of 
consecration  were  both  read  by  Rev.  C.  T.  Bland.  Rev. 
Dr.  Buxton  and  Rev.  J.  W.  Murphy  were  present  and 
assisting  in  the  services.  The  church  is  a  very  pretty  one, 
and  in  excellent  taste.  Very  much  of  the  finer  work  was 
done  by  Mr.  Bland,  and  it  was  his  skill  and  energy  and 
perseverance  to  which  we  are  chiefly  indebted  for  a  building 
so  attractive  in  itself,  and  so  much  needed. 

Monday,  May  18th,  in  Grace  Church,  Morganton,  I 
admitted  to  the  Priesthood,  Rev.  Charles  L.  Hoffman, 
Deacon,  in  charge  of  the  Parish.  He  was  presented  by 
Rev.  Dr.  Buxton,  who,  with  Rev.  Walter  J.  Smith,  united 
in  the  laying  on  of  hands.  I  also  preached  and  adminis- 
tered  the  Holy   Communion,  assisted  in   the  services   by 


ADDRESS    OF   THE    BISHOP.  5 

the  clergy  present.  Left  the  same  evening  for  Raleigh, 
arriving  early  Tuesday  morning. 

Proceeded  in  the  afternoon  to  Pittsboro,  and  at  8  P.  M., 
in  St.  James'  Chapel,  after  Evening  Prayer  by  Rev.  Messrs. 
Walker  and  Bush,  I  preached,  confirmed  seven  persons,  and 
addressed  them. 

Wednesday,  May  20th,  in  St.  Bartholomew's  Church, 
Pittsboro,  after  Evening  Prayer  by  Messrs.  Bush  and  Walker, 
I  preached,  confirmed  four  persons,  and  addressed  them. 

Trinity  Sunday,  May  24th,  in  the  Church  of  the  Holy 
Innocents,  Henderson,  after  Morning  Prayer  by  Rev.  Messrs. 
A.  B.  Hunter  and  Wm.  Walker,  I  preached  and  ordained 
to  the  Priesthood  Rev.  Junius  Moore  Horner,  Deacpn,  on 
presentation  by  Rev.  J.  E.  Ingle.  In  the  Communion 
office,  Rev.  W.  W.  Walker,  of  Oxford,  and  Rev.  J.  E. 
Ingle,  took  part,  and  all  the  clergy  present  united  in  the 
laying  on  of  hands.  The  next  day,  Tuesday,  May  26th, 
I  preached  at  St.  Peter's  Church,  Stovall,  and  administered 
the  Holy  Communion,  assisted  in  the  services  by  Rev. 
W.  W.  Walker  and  Rev.  J.  M.  Horner. 

First  Sunday  after  Trinity,  May  31,  in  St.  Timothy's 
Church,  Wilson,  after  Morning  Prayer  by  Rev.  J.  M. 
Horner,  I  preached  and  ordained  to  the  Diaconate,  Mr. 
FennerS.  Stickney,  on  presentation  by  Rev.  B.  S.  Bronson. 
I  also  administered  the  Holy  Communion,  assisted  by 
Messrs.  Bronson  and  Horner. 

At  night,  after  a  sermon  by  Rev.  Mr.  Horner,  I  con- 
firmed two  persons,  and  addressed  them.  This  Parish  was 
for  some  time  without  a  Rector,  and  was  only  supplied  the 
latter  part  of  the  summer.  Left  next  day  on  my  return  to 
Raleigh.  Mr.  Stickney,  immediately  after  his  ordination, 
entered  upon  an  extensive  missionary  field  in  Stokes  and 
Rockingham  Counties,  where  he  has  been  doing  an  encour- 
aging and  successsul  work.      Recently  he  has  added  to  his 


6  ADDRESS    OF   THE    BISHOP. 

labors  by  taking  charge  also  of  the  promising  Mission  in 
South  Greensboro. 

Wednesday,  June  3d,  left  for  New  York  to  attend  meet- 
ings of  Committees  to  which  I  belonged. 

Friday,  June  5th,  at  the  Rectory  of  Calvary  Church, 
New  York,  I  attended  a  meeting  of  the  Committee  of  the 
General  Convention  on  Colored  Work. 

Tuesday,  June  9th,  at  the  Bible  House,  New  York,  I 
attended  the  monthly  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Managers  of 
the  Missionary  Work  of  the  Church.  During  my  visit 
to  New  York,  and  for  some  time  previous,  I  suffered  greatly 
from  insomnia,  and  was  much  weakened  by  it.  I  did  not 
derive,  the  benefit  which  I  had  hoped  from  the  journey. 
Wednesday,  June  17th,  I  left  New  York  on  my  return  to 
Raleigh. 

The  next  day,  Thursday,  June  18th,  I  stopped  at  War- 
renton,  and  at  night,  in  Emmanuel  Church,  I  held  a  ser- 
vice for  the  colored  people,  confirmed  eight,  and  addressed 
them. 

Fifth  Sunday  after  Trinity,  June  28th,  in  the  Church  of 
the  Good  Shepherd,  Raleigh,  I  assisted  in  the  Morning 
Service. 

Sixth  Sunday  after  Trinity,  July  5th,  in  Christ  Church, 
Raleigh,  preached  and  administered  the  Holy  Communion, 
assisted  by  Rev.  Dr.  Marshall. 

Sunday,  July  12th,  in  St.  Matthew's  Church,  Hillsboro, 
I  assisted  Rev.  Mr.  Ingle  in  the  service,  and  administered 
the  Holy  Communion. 

Saturday,  July  18th,  baptized  a  sick  child  in  private  at 
Hillsboro. 

Sunday,  July  19th,  in  St.  Matthew's  Church,  I  con- 
ducted the  service  and  preached. 

July  20th,  buried  an  infant. 

Sunday,  July  26th,  in  St.  Athanasius'  Church,  Burling- 


ADDRESS    OF   THE    BISHOP.  7 

ton,  after  Morning  Prayer  by  Rev.  R.  J.  Walker,  I  preached, 
confirmed  five  persons,  and  addressed  them. 

Friday,  July  31st,  left  for  my  summer  visitation  in  the 
mountains. 

Sunday,  August  2d,  at  Old  Fort,  preached  to  a  large 
congregation  in  the  Presbyterian  church,  Rev.  C.  T.  Bland 
conducting  the  service.  Left  Monday  for  Asheville,  and 
same  day  baptized  an  infant  at  a  private  house,  who  was 
not  well  enough  to  be  taken  to  church. 

Thursday,  August  6th,  in  St.  Andrew's  Church,  near 
Asheville,  after  Morning  Prayer  by  Rev.  Messrs.  Barrows 
and  Postell,  I  preached  and  administered  the  Holy  Com- 
munion. 

Sunday,  August  9th,  in  St.  John's  Church,  Hot  Springs, 
Mr.  Barrows  read  Morning  Prayer.  I  confirmed  one  person 
after  the  Second  Lesson,  preached  and  administered  Holy 
Communion.  In  the  evening  I  held  a  short  service  in  the 
parlor  of  the  hotel. 

Tuesday,  August  nth,  in  Trinity  Church,  Asheville,  I 
confirmed  a  lady  about  leaving  the  city. 

At  4  p.  m.  in  the  Chapel  at  Haw  Creek,  I  preached,  con- 
firmed five  persons  and  addressed  them,  Messrs.  Barrows, 
Rice  and  Bell  assisting  in  the  service. 

Thursday,  August  13th,  at  Beaver  Dam  Chapel,  two 
miles  north  of  Asheville,  Rev.  Messrs.  Rice  and  Barrows 
conducted  the  service.  I  baptized  an  infant  after  the  Sec- 
ond Lesson,  preached,  confirmed  nine  persons  and  addressed 
them.  I  was  pleased  to  find  a  very  large  congregation 
present,  and  an  increasing  interest  in  the  work  of  the 
Church.  I  made  an  address  to  the  congregation  on  the 
importance  of  securing  a  Parsonage  as  speedily  as  possible 
for  the  accommodation  of  the  Missionary,  whose  residence 
is  many  miles  away.  I  am  pleased  to  say  that  the  proposal 
met  with  great  favor,  and  with  some  outside  help  a  very 
neat  and  comfortable  home  is  now  provided. 


8  ADDRESS    OF   THE    BISHOP. 

Sunday,  August  16th,  was  the  day  for  my  visitation  to 
Trinity  Church,  Asheville.  The  church  was  much  crowded. 
I  took  part  in  the  morning  service  and  preached.  At 
night,  after  Evening  Prayer  by  Rev.  Messrs.  DuBose 
and  Porter,  I  confirmed  eleven  persons  and  addressed 
them.  I  found  Trinity  Church  in  a  very  prosperous  con- 
dition, but  there  is  very  great  need  of  increased  church 
accommodation  in  the  city.  I  trust  no  long  time  will  elapse 
before  another  strong  congregation  will  be  established  there. 

Wednesday,  August  19th,  in  Grace  Church,  Waynesville, 
I  preached,  confirmed  ten  persons,  addressed  them,  and 
administered  the  Holy  Communion,  assisted  in  the  services 
by  Rev.  Dr.  Buel  and  Rev.  Messrs.  DuBose,  Barrows  and 
Greaves. 

Thursday,  August  20th,  I  consecrated  St.  Mary's  Church, 
Mica  Dale,  three  miles  from  Waynesville.  The  request  for 
consecration  was  read  by  Rev.  W.  S.  Barrows  and  the  sen- 
tence of  consecration  by  Rev.  Dr.  Buel,  who  had  been  so 
largely  instrumental  in  the  erection  of  the  church.  I  con- 
firmed one  person,  after  the  Second  Lesson,  preached,  and 
administered  the  Holy  Communion.  Rev.  Mr.  DuBose 
and  Rev.  Mr.  Brown,  of  Florida,  also  took  part  in  the 
service. 

Friday,  August  21st,  in  the  Academy  at  Sylva,  near 
Webster,  after  a  brief  evening  service,  I  confirmed  one 
person  and  preached  to  a  large  congregation.  Drove  eight 
miles  to  Cullowhee  after  the  service. 

Sunday,  August  23d,  in  St.  David's  Church,  Cullowhee, 
after  Morning  Prayer  by  Rev.  Messrs.  Barrows  and  Barker, 
I  preached  and  administered  the  Holy  Communion,  assisted 
by  Rev.  Dr.  Buel. 

On  Monday,  August  24th,  went  to  Cashier's  Valley  over 
a  very  rough  mountain  road. 

The  next  day,  Tuesday,  August  25th,  I  had  the  great 
pleasure  of  consecrating  the  new  and  attractive  church  in 


ADDRESS    OF   THE    BISHOP.  9 

that  valley,  for  which  we  are  so  largely  indebted  to  the 
generosity  and  the  zealous  efforts  of  the  Hampton  family, 
and  I  was  specially  gratified  by  the  presence  of  so  many 
representatives  of  the  family  on  this  interesting  occasion. 
The  deed  of  donation  and  request  for  consecration  was  read 
by  Mr.  John  Barbee,  and  the  sentence  of  consecration  by 
Rev.  W.  S.  Barrows.  The  sermon  was  preached  by  me. 
I  also  confirmed  seven  persons,  addressed  them,  and  admin- 
istered the  Holy  Communion. 

A  successful  Parochial  School  is  carried  on  in  connection 
with  the  church  by  Mr.  Samuel  Rhodes,  who  has  been 
acting  for  two  years  as  L,ay  Reader. 

Later  in  the  season  I  admitted  Mr.  Rhodes  to  Deacons 
Orders  in  Asheville,  so  that  he  has  since  been  better  able 
to  carry  on  a  successful  missionary  work  in  connection  with 
his  Parochial  School. 

The  day  following  the  consecration  was  quite  misty  and 
threatening,  so  that  we  feared  a  very  unpleasant  journey 
on  our  return  to  Cullowhee,  but  later  the  clouds  dispersed, 
and  we  found  our  descent  of  the  mountains  much  more 
comfortable  than  the  ascent  two  days  before. 

Thursday,  August  27th,  we  returned  to  Asheville. 

Saturday,  I  left  for  Flat  Rock,  and  on  Sunday,  August 
30th,  I  officiated  in  St.  John's  Church,  preached  and 
administered  the  Holy  Communion,  assisted  in  the  services 
by  Rev.  Scott  B.  Rathbun,  the  new  Rector  of  the  Parish. 

The  former  Rector,  Rev.  J.  G.  Drayton,  had  held  the 
charge  in  connection  with  regular  parochial  work  in  the 
Diocese  of  South  Carolina,  so  that  the  church  was  only 
left  open  during  the  summer  months.  But  after  his  pro- 
tracted illness  and  death,  last  spring,  the  Vestry  communi- 
cated with  me,  and  proposed  a  different  arrangement.  They 
also  desired  me  to  commend  to  them  some  suitable  clergy- 
man to  reside  at  Flat  Rock  and  keep  up  the  services  during 
the  entire  year.      Upon  my  recommendation,  Mr.  Rathbun 


IO  ADDRESS   OF   THE   BISHOP. 

was  chosen  to  the  Rectorship,  and  has  been  most  kindly 
and  cordially  welcomed  among  them.  At  my  request,  the 
Vestry  consented  that  during  the  past  winter  Mr.  Rathbun 
should  give  a  part  of  each  Sunday  to  St.  James'  Church, 
Hendersonville,  and  in  this  way  that  church  has  since  been 
regularly  supplied,  much  to  the  comfort  and  satisfaction  of 
the  congregation.  I  could  wish  that  this  most  fortunate 
arrangement  might  be  permitted  to  continue,  at  least  until 
some  other  clergyman  can  be  procured  to  carry  on  the  work 
at  Hendersonville. 

Sunday,  P.  M.,  at  Hendersonville,  I  preached  and  con- 
firmed four  persons. 

Monday,  August  31st,  I  went  to  Saluda,  which  is  quite 
a  summer  resort,  near  the  summit  of  the  Blue  Ridge,  and 
which  is  frequented  largely  by  families  from  South  Carolina. 
The  Bishop  of  that  Diocese  has  a  summer  residence  there, 
and  Rev.  Dr.  McCullough  has  also  made  that  place  his  sum- 
mer home  for  many  years  past.  Chiefly  through  the  active 
agency  of  Dr.  McCullough  a  very  neat  Chapel  has  been 
built  at  Saluda,  and  as  that  place  is  in  our  Diocese,  I  was 
cordially  invited  to  take  the  building  under  my  spiritual 
jurisdiction,  and  consecrate  it,  under  the  name  of  the 
Church  of  the  Transfiguration. 

Tuesday,  September  1st,  was  the  day  which  I  appointed 
for  that  service.  I  was  made  the  welcome  guest  of  the 
Bishop  of  South  Carolina,  together  with  two  of  the  estima- 
ble clergy  of  his  own  Diocese.  We  proceeded  to  the  church, 
and  at  the  appointed  hour  the  solemn  consecration  service 
was  begun,  Bishop  Howe  and  a  number  of  the  clergy 
uniting  in  the  service.  The  deed  of  donation  and  request 
for  consecration  was  read  by  R.  W.  Shand,  Esq.,  and  the 
sentence  of  consecration  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  McCullough. 
Morning  Prayer  was  read  by  Rev.  Mr.  DuBose,  of  Ashe- 
ville,  and  Rev,  Messrs.  Allston  and  Kershaw,  of  South 
Carolina.      Bishop  Howe  commenced  the  communion  office 


ADDRESS   OF   THE   BISHOP.  II 

and  read  the  Epistle.  I  read  the  Gospel,  preached  the 
sermon,  and  also  administered  the  Holy  Communion, 
assisted  by  Bishop  Howe,  Rev.  Dr.  Johnson,  of  Charles- 
ton, and  Rev.  T.  D.  Bratton,  of  Spartanburg. 

The  service  was  one  of  deep  interest,  and  afforded  much 
gratification,  especially  to  that  faithful  band  who  had  labored 
so  zealously  to  bring  this  good  work  to  a  successful  issue. 
I  only  hope  that  arrangements  can  be  made  to  secure  regu- 
lar services,  at  least  during  the  summer  months. 

I  left  on  the  evening  train  for  Tryon  City,  and  only 
regretted  that  this  very  pleasant  intercommunion  had  so 
soon  to  be  interrupted. 

Wednesday,  September  2d,  in  the  Church  of  the  Holy 
Cross,  Tryon  City,  I  conducted  the  service,  preached  and 
administered  the  Holy  Communion.  In  the  afternoon,  in 
a  building  which  had  been  purchased  for  the  colored  people, 
I  held  service,  baptized  an  adult,  confirmed  five  persons 
and  addressed  them. 

The  next  day  I  returned  to  Hendersonville,  where  I  spent 
the  night,  and  the  following  day,  Friday,  September  4th, 
I  drove  out  to  St.  Paul's  Church,  Henderson  County,  accom- 
panied by  Rev.  S.  B.  Rathbun.  After  Morning  Prayer  by 
Mr.  Rathbun,  I  preached  to  quite  a  large  congregation, 
although  the  day  was  very  threatening,  with  frequent  heavy 
showers.  Returned  in  the  afternoon  to  Hendersonville, 
and  went  at  once  to  the  railway  station  and  proceeded  to 
Fletcher  Station.  From  there  I  was  driven  to  the  delight- 
ful and  hospitable  mansion  of  Rugby  Grange. 

Sunday,  September  6th,  in  Calvary  Church,  after  Morn- 
ing Prayer  by  Rev.  Alban  Greaves,  I  preached,  confirmed 
two  persons,  and  administered  the  Holy  Communion. 

Left  on  Tuesday  for  Asheville,  and  on  Wednesday,  in 
Trinity  Chapel,  after  Evening  Prayer  by  Rev.  H.  S. 
McDuffey,  I  preached,  confirmed  nine  persons  and  addressed 
them. 


12  ADDRESS    OF   THE    BISHOP. 

I  regret  to  add  that  not  long  after  this  visitation  Mr. 
McDuffey's  health  was  much  impaired,  and  to  the  great 
regret  of  the  congregation  he  felt  it  necessary  to  give  up 
the  charge  and  remove  to  South  Carolina.  His  place  I 
was  able  almost  immediately  to  supply  with  the  services  of 
Rev.  Freeman  W.  Dunn,  who  had  been  educated  and 
ordained  in  this  Diocese,  but  who  had  been  officiating  for 
some  time  in  the  Diocese  of  Georgia. 

I  left  Asheville  Friday  Sept.  nth,  for  Hickory,  and  the 
same  evening,  in  the  Church  of  the  Ascension,  I  preached 
to  a  large  congregation.  I  was  assisted  in  the  service  by 
Rev.  C.  L.  Hoffman,  of  Morganton,  who  had  been  holding 
occasional  services  in  the  vacancy  of  the  Rectorship.  Rev. 
J.  A.  Weston,  who  had  resigned  this  charge  and  gone  on 
a  visit  to  Europe,  had  recently  returned,  and  at  a  meeting 
of  the  Vestry,  shortly  after  my  visit,  he  was  recalled  to 
the  Rectorship,  and  is  now  again  in  charge  of  the  Parish. 

The  next  morning  I  was  sent  for  to  baptize  a  sick 
child,  and  administered  the  ordinance  just  before  its  death. 
Shortly  afterwards  I  confirmed  in  private  a  sick  person. 

The  same  day,  Saturday,  Sept.  12th,  I  took  the  train  for 
Lenoir,  and  on  arrival  was  driven  to  the  Rectory,  where  I 
was  warmly  welcomed  by  Rev.  Dr.  Buxton  and  family.  It 
was  a  great  satisfaction  to  me  to  find  this  Parish  and  its 
adjacent  Missions  in  such  faithful  hands,  and  to  learn  that 
everything  was  going  on  in  the  most  encouraging  way. 
The  lessened  cares  and  responsibilities  in  this  smaller  field 
has  proved  a  great  relief  to  Dr.  Buxton,  and  his  health 
seems  to  be  much  improved.  I  trust  that  many  years  of 
useful  labors  may  yet  be  granted  him. 

On  Sunday,  September  13th,  in  St.  James'  Church,  I 
preached  to  an  unusually  large  and  attentive  congregation, 
assisted  in  the  services  by  Dr.  Buxton.  Shortly  after  the 
service,  we  left  for  Yadkin  Valley,  seven  miles  away,  and 
at  4  p.  m.,  in  the  beautiful  Chapel  of  Rest,  after  Evening 


ADDRESS   OF   THE    BISHOP.  1 3 

Prayer  and  an  adult  baptism  by  Dr.  Buxton,  I  preached 
and  confirmed  one  person. 

In  addition  to  the  duties  now  devolved  upon  Dr.  Buxton, 
I  am  anxious  to  place  our  Missions  in  Watauga  County 
under  his  special  supervision,  so  soon  as  I  can  find  some 
zealous  young  clergyman  to  be  associated  with  him  in  this 
work.  It  is  a  field  well  known  to  him,  in  which  he  feels 
a  deep  interest,  and  where  his  presence  will  always  be  cor- 
dially welcomed. 

I  spent  the  night  at  the  pleasant  and  hospitable  home  of 
Mr.  Patterson,  and  left  the  next  morning  for  Lenoir  to 
take  the  train  for  Hickory  and  Statesville.  On  reaching 
Lenoir  I  learned  that  a  change  of  schedule  had  just  taken 
place,  so  that  there  would  be  no  afternoon  train  to  Hickory. 
I  secured  a  carriage  at  once  and  drove  to  Hickory,  whence 
I  proceeded  by  train  to  Statesville. 

Nearly  the  whole  of  the  next  day  was  occupied  in  bring- 
ing up  arrears  of  correspondence. 

Wednesday,  Sept.  16th,  in  Trinity  Church,  Statesville, 
after  Morning  Prayer  by  Rev.  E.  A.  Osborne,  I  preached, 
confirmed  three  persons,  addressed  them,  and  administered 
the  Holy  Communion. 

I  left  the  same  evening  for  Hillsboro,  arriving  there  the 
next  day. 

Sunday,  Sept.  20th,  in  St.  Matthew's  Church,  I  took 
part  in  the  service  and  preached.  The  Rector,  Rev.  J.  W. 
Murphy,  had  not  yet  returned  from  his  trip  to  Europe. 
Later  I  learned  that  he  was  visited  with  extreme  illness 
before  his  return,  and  when  he  reached  Hillsboro  he  found 
himself  in  a  very  weak  and  shattered  condition.  He  soon 
became  convinced  that  he  would  not  be  able  to  carry  on 
his  work,  and  therefore,  to  the  deep  regret  of  the  congre- 
gation, he  resigned  his  charge,  to  take  effect  at  Easter.  He 
has  been  one  of  our  most  faithful  and  efficient  workers,  and 


14  ADDRESS    OF   THE    BISHOP. 

his  removal  is  a  great  loss,  not  only  to  his  Parish,  but  to 
the  whole  Diocese. 

I  left  Hillsboro  the  middle  of  the  week,  to  continue  on 
with  my  visitation,  and  on  Thursday,  September  24th,  held 
service  in  Cunningham's  Chapel,  Person  County,  baptized 
an  adult  and  an  infant,  preached,  confirmed  two  persons, 
addressed  them,  and  administered  the  Holy  Communion. 

At  night  I  held  service  and  preached  in  the  new  church 
at  Milton.  We  had  very  large  congregations  at  both  ser- 
vices. In  these  joint  missions  we  have  a  noble  opportunity 
for  a  most  successful  work,  but  I  have  not  been  able  to  find 
a  suitable  person  to  undertake  the  duty.  The  support,  in 
the  first  instance,  must  necessarily  be  limited,  but  an  active, 
energetic  and  judicious  worker  would  soon  build  up  two 
excellent  congregations. 

Sunday,  September  27th,  in  St.  Paul's  Church,  Winston, 
after  Morning  Prayer  by  Rev.  Mr.  Reaney,  I  preached, 
confirmed  five  persons,  addressed  them,  and  administered 
the  Holy  Communion.  Preached  again  at  the  evening 
service.  Winston  is  one  of  our  most  promising  places,  and 
the  Church  here  is  making  a  steady  advance. 

Tuesday,  September  29th,  in  Christ  Church,  Walnut 
Cove,  I  was  assisted  in  the  services  by  Rev.  F.  S.  Stickney, 
preached,  confirmed  ten  persons,  addressed  them,  and 
administered  the  Holy  Communion.  I  found  much  to 
encourage  in  the  work  at  this  place.  The  interest  in  the 
Church  and  her  services  is  steadily  increasing  and  strength- 
ening, and  if  only  more  frequent  services  could  be  provided, 
we  should  surely  find  a  much  larger  measure  of  prosperity. 

Wednesday,  September  30th,  in  St.  Philip's  Church, 
Germanton;  Rev.  Mr.  Stickney  read  the  Morning  Prayer. 
After  the  Second  Lesson,  I  baptized  one  adult  and  one 
infant,  preached,  confirmed  one  person,  and  administered 
the  Holy  Communion. 


ADDRESS   OF   THE    BISHOP.  1 5 

Thursday,  October  ist,  I  consecrated  the  new  and  very 
beautiful  Church  of  St.  John,  at  Madison,  Rockingham 
county.  The  deed  of  donation,  with  request  for  consecra- 
tion, was  read  by  Col.  John  M.  Galloway,  and  the  sentence 
of  consecration  by  Rev.  N.  B.  Harris.  I  preached  and 
administered  the  Holy  Communion,  assisted  in  the  services 
by  Rev.  F.  S.  Stickney,  the  minister  in  charge,  and  Rev. 
Mr.  Harris,  of  Reidsville.  So  graceful  and  attractive  a 
church  I  was  hardly  prepared  to  find;  and  it  reflects  very 
great  credit  and  honor  upon  the  few  who  have  labored  so 
faithfully  that  they  have  been  able  to  accomplish  such  a 
result. 

In  the  same  church,  at  4  p.  m.  ,  after  Evening  Prayer, 
I  confirmed  nine  persons  and  addressed  them.  Large  and 
interested  congregrations  were  present  at  both  services. 

I  returned  the  next  day  to  Walnut  Cove,  and  on  Satur- 
day, October  3d,  Rev.  Mr.  Stickney  accompanied  me  to 
Mt.  Airy.  This  thriving  place  I  had  never  visited  before, 
and  found  there  much  to  cheer  and  encourage. 

On  Sunday,  October  4th,  a  very  large  congregation 
assembled  in  the  spacious  Opera-House,  which  we  had  been 
kindly  invited  to  occupy,  and  I  preached  both  morning  and 
evening,  Rev.  Mr.  Stickney  assisting  in  the  services.  At 
an  earlier  hour,  in  a  private  parlor  at  the  hotel,  I  admin- 
istered the  Holy  Communion  to  about  fifteen  communicants. 
At  this  important  centre  we  are  very  anxious  to  erect  a 
church  so  soon  as  the  requisite  funds  can  be  secured.  This 
place  is  within  the  circuit  of  Mr.  Stickney's  missions,  and 
one  in  which  he  has  been  doing  an  excellent  work;  but 
unless  I  can  secure  some  faithful  helper  for  him,  it  will  be 
impossible  to  gather  in  the  fruits  which  now  seem  so 
promising. 

The  next  day  I  went  by  rail  to  Wilkesboro,  and  it  was  a 
great  relief  to  be  able  to  reach  that  place  without  the  long 


1 6  ADDRESS   OF   THE   BISHOP. 

and  fatiguing  drives  which  had  been  inseparable  from  all 
previous  visitations. 

Tuesday,  October  6th,  in  St.  Paul's  Church,  after  Morn- 
ing Prayer  by  Rev.  R.  W.  Barber,  I  preached,  confirmed 
two  persons,  addressed  them,  and  administered  the  Holy 
Communion.  Wilkesboro  and  the  neighborhood  showed 
signs  of  decided  improvement,  as  the  result  of  the  railway 
facilities  which  are  now  enjoyed,  and  I  trust  that  the  Church 
may  share  in  this  general  progress. 

Wednesday,  October  7  th,  I  preached  and  administered 
the  Holy  Communion  at  Gwyn's  Chapel,  and  in  the  after- 
noon returned  by  rail  to  Wilkesboro. 

I  left  the  next  morning,  by  carriage,  for  Lenoir,  and  took 
the  train  the  following  morning  to  Lincolnton. 

Friday,  October  9th,  in  St.  Luke's  Church,  after  Evening 
Prayer  by  Rev.  W.  R.  Wetmore,  I  preached,  confirmed 
nine  persons  and  addressed  them. 

On  Saturday,  I  took  the  train  to  Shelby,  and  on  Sunday, 
October  nth,  in  St.  Thomas'  Church,  I  was  assisted  in  the 
service  by  Rev.  Gerard  W.  Phelps,  who  has  been  officiating 
since  that  time  at  Shelby  and  Rutherford  ton.  I  preached 
and  administered  the  Holy  Communion.  By  removals 
from  the  town,  we  have  lost  several  attached  members  of 
the  Church,  so  that  the  congregation  has  been  much 
weakened. 

Late  in  the  afternoon,  Mr.  Phelps  accompanied  me  to 
Rutherford  ton,  and  at  night,  in  St.  John's  Church,  after 
Evening  Prayer  by  him,  I  preached,  confirmed  four  persons 
and  addressed  them.  This  congregation,  too,  has  recently 
suffered  serious  loss  by  the  removal  to  other  places  of  some 
of  our  most  devoted  members.  Mr.  Phelps  has  been  strug- 
gling on  under  many  discouragements,  but  still  hopes  that 
a  good  work  may  be  done  in  this  field. 

I  left  by  rail  next  morning  for  Marion,  and  proceeded  on 
to  Morganton.     At  8  p.  m.  I  held  a  service  in  the  church, 


ADDRESS   OF   THE    BISHOP.  1 7 

for  colored  people,  and  after  Evening  Prayer  by  Rev.  Mr. 
Hoffman  and  Rev.  Mr.  McDuffey,  I  preached,  confirmed 
eleven  persons  and  addressed  them.  A  very  pretty  church 
for  the  colored  congregation  has  been  built  in  Morganton, 
and  by  this  time  is,  no  doubt,  entirely  completed. 

The  next  morning,  Tuesday,  October  13th,  Mr.  Hoffman 
conducted  the  service  in  Grace  Church,  and  after  the  Second 
Lesson,  I  baptized  an  infant,  preached,  and  administered 
the  Holy  Communion. 

I  left  the  next  morning  for  Black  Mountain,  where  I 
visited  an  attached  member  of  the  Church,  and  continued 
my  journey  the  following  day  to  Asheville. 

Sunday,  October  18th,  in  Trinity  Church,  I  held  a  con- 
firmation service,  and  confirmed  eleven  persons,  making 
thirty-eight  confirmed  since  last  Convention.  I  then 
preached  and  admitted  to  Deacon's  Orders  Mr.  Samuel 
Rhodes,  on  presentation  by  Dr.  Buel.  I  also  administered 
the  Holy  Communion,  assisted  by  Dr.  Buel,  Mr.  DuBose 
and  Mr.  Rhodes. 

On  Tuesday,  I  was  driven  from  Asheville  to  Bowman's 
Bluff,  and  on  Wednesday,  October  21st,  in  Gethsemane 
Church,  I  was  assisted  in  the  services  by  Rev.  Edward 
Bradley  and  Rev.  S.  B.  Rathbun.  I  preached,  confirmed 
two  persons,  and  administered  the  Holy  Communion. 

In  the  afternoon,  we  drove  on  fifteen  miles  to  Brevard. 

Thursday,  October  2 2d,  I  consecrated  St.  Philip's  Church, 
which,  although  erected  several  years  ago,  had  only  been 
completed  a  few  days  before  this  visit.  It  is  now  a  very 
tasteful  and  attractive  church.  The  deed  of  donation  and 
request  for  consecration  were  read  by  Rev.  Edward  Bradley, 
who  had  been  officiating  some  months  at  Brevard,  and  the 
sentence  of  consecration  by  Rev.  S.  B.  Rathbun,  of  Flat 
Rock.  I  preached,  confirmed  two  persons,  addressed  them, 
and  administered  the  Holy  Communion. 

I  was  sorry  to  learn  that  Mr.  Bradley,  whose  services  had 


1 8  ADDRESS    OF   THE    BISHOP. 

proved  so  very  acceptable,  would  not  be  able  to  continue 
any  longer  in  charge,  and  up  to  this  time  I  have  not  been 
successful  in  making  any  satisfactory  arrangements  for  a 
supply  of  services.  It  is  a  most  interesting  field,  and  one 
of  no  little  promise. 

Friday,  October  23d,  I  was  driven  back  to  Asheville. 

On  Saturday,  I  left  for  Franklin,  going  by  rail  to  Dills- 
boro,  and  thence  twenty  miles  by  carriage,  arriving  about 

7   P.    M. 

Sunday,  October  25th,  in  St.  Agnes'  Church,  after 
Morning  Prayer  by  Rev.  J.  A.  Deal  and  Rev.  George  C. 
Whyte,  I  preached,  confirmed  two  persons  and  administered 
the  Holy  Communion. 

Mr.  Whyte  returned  north  shortly  after  my  visit,  and 
Rev.  J.  W.  Barker,  from  Florida,  has  been  assisting  Mr. 
Deal  in  his  extended  missionary  field. 

The  next  day  I  left  on  my  return  to  Asheville,  and  on 
Friday  took  the  train  for  Raleigh. 

Sunday,  November  1st,  in  the  Church  of  the  Good  Shep- 
herd, I  took  part  in  the  morning  service,  and  administered 
the  Holy  Communion,  assisted  by  Rev.  Mr.  Pittenger, 
who  had  entered  upon  his  duties  a  few  weeks  before  as 
Rector  of  the  Parish. 

Sunday,  November  8th,  I  assisted  in  the  services  in 
Christ  Church,  Raleigh. 

Sunday,  November  15th,  I  preached  in  the  Chapel  of 
St.  Mary's  School. 

First  Sunday  in  Advent,  November  29th,  in  Emmanuel 
Church,  Warrenton,  after  Morning  Prayer  by  Rev.  Edward 
Benedict  and  Rev.  B.  S.  Bronson,  I  confirmed  three  per- 
sons, preached  and  admitted  to  the  Priesthood  Rev.  Edward 
P.  Green  and  Rev.  Fenner  S.  Stickney,  Deacons,  on  presen- 
tation by  Rev.  B.  S.  Bronson,  who,  with  Rev.  Mr.  Benedict, 
assisted  in  the  laying  on  of  hands.  I  also  administered  the 
Holy  Communion. 


ADDRESS    OF   THE'  BISHOP.  1 9 

Second  Sunday  in  Advent,  December  6th,  in  the  Chapel 
of  the  Cross,  Chapel  Hill,  after  Morning  Prayer  by  Rev. 
F.  Towers,  I  confirmed  one  person,  preached  and  admin- 
istered the  Holy  Communion.  Preached  again  at  the  even- 
ing service. 

Sunday,  December  13th,  in  Christ  Church,  Raleigh,  I 
assisted  in  the  service  and  preached. 

Saturday,  December  19th,  being  the  fiftieth  anniversary 
of  my  ordination  to  the  Priesthood,  special  services  were 
held  in  the  Church  of  the  Good  Shepherd,  Raleigh,  under 
the  direction  of  a  committee  appointed  for  that  purpose  at 
our  last  Convention.  The  choir,  followed  by  the  clergy 
and  Bishop,  entered  the  church  singing  a  processional 
hymn.  I  then  began  the  Communion  office.  The  Epistle 
was  read  by  Rev.  Dr.  Marshall  and  the  Gospel  was  read  by 
me,  followed  by  the  Nicene  Creed.  A  very  jubilant  Te 
Deurn  was  then  sung  by  the  united  choirs  of  Christ  Church 
and  the  Church  of  the  Good  Shepherd.  I  then  delivered 
an  extended  address,  reviewing  the  long  period  during 
which  I  had  been  permitted  to  officiate  at  the  Holy  Altar. 
Upon  its  conclusion  I  was  addressed  in  a  very  kind  and 
cordial  way  by  Rev.  Dr.  Marshall,  President  of  the  Stand- 
ing Committee  and  as  the  representative  of  the  Diocese,  and 
he  concluded  by  presenting  me  with  a  beautiful  Pastoral 
Staff  as  the  expression  of  the  sympathy  and  love  of  a  kind 
and  affectionate  people.  I  was  deeply  touched  by  this 
unexpected  gift,  and  in  a  few  words  sought  to  give  utter- 
ance to  my  most  grateful  acknowledgments,  not  only  for  so 
appropriate  and  expressive  a  symbol,  but  for  the  tender  and 
loving  words  by  which  this  gift  was  accompanied.  The 
Holy  Communion,  was  then  administered. 

The  same  evening  the  doors  of  my  own  residence  were 
thrown  open  to  all  who  might  feel  disposed  to  come,  and 
several  hundreds  of  friends  met  me,  with  kindest  congratu- 


20  ADDRESS    OF   THE    BISHOP. 

lations  and  the  most  cordial  good  wishes.      It  was  indeed  a 
very  happy  and  joyous  reunion. 

The  next  evening,  Sunday,  December  20th,  the  festal 
jubilee  was  continued  in  Christ  Church.  A  procession  of 
choristers  and  clergy  entered  the  western  door  of  the  church, 
followed  by  the  Bishop,  who  was  immediately  preceded  by 
his  appointed  chaplain  bearing  the  Pastoral  Staff.  The 
church  was  densely  crowded,  and  a  very  deep  interest  was 
manifested.  After  Evening  Prayer  by  Rev.  Mr.  Pittenger 
and  Rev.  William  Walker,  very  valuable  addresses  were 
delivered  by  the  Hon.  Kemp  P.  Battle,  Rev.  J.  B.  Cheshire, 
Jr.,  D. D.,  and  F.  S.  Spruill,  Esq.  I  made  a  brief  closing 
address,  after  which  the  joint  choirs  of  Christ  Church  and 
the  Good  Shepherd  rendered,  with  thrilling  effect,  that 
grand  and  impressive  anthem,  "How  beautiful  are  the 
feet  of  the  messengers  who  preach  the  gospel  of  peace." 
I  then  closed  this  jubilee  service  with  some  appropriate 
collects  and  the  Apostolic  Benediction. 

In  thus  recalling  this  most  interesting  occasion,  I  should 
do  great  injustice  to  my  own  feelings  did  I  not  give  utter- 
ance to  my  deep  appreciation  of  all  the  sympathy  and 
kindness  which  were  so  freely  manifested,  and  of  which  I 
felt  myself  so  unworthy.  The  one  controlling  desire  of 
my  heart  was  that,  by  God's  gracious  blessing  upon  me, 
the  time  which  still  remains  for  me  may  be  passed  in  a 
spirit  of  increased  devotion  to  the  interests  of  the  kingdom 
of  Christ.  To  the  dear  people  of  my  charge,  I  desire  to 
devote  whatever  of  strength  and  health  and  energy  may 
still  be  granted  me  ;  and  may  we  all  be  unitedly  awakened 
to  higher  zeal  and  increased  consecration  to  the  great  work 
which  is  here  given  us  to  do. 

Only  three  days  after  this  interesting  jubilee  I  was  seized 
by  a  very  sharp  attack  of  that  singular  and  trying  disease 
by  which  so  many  have  suffered  during  the  past  winter. 
For  three  weeks  I  was  closely  confined  to  the  house,  but 


ADDRESS    OF   THE    BISHOP.  21 

through  the  skill  of  kind  and  sympathizing  physicians,  and 
by  the  blessing  of  God,  I  came  out  of  the  ordeal  quite 
strong  and  sound,  and  with  but  very  little  of  lingering 
weaknesses.  Still,  for  greater  security,  I  was  advised  to 
go,  for  a  few  weeks,  to  a  milder  climate,  while  escaping, 
at  the  same  time,  from  the  continuous  labors  which  seem 
inseparable  from  remaining  at  home.  Acting  upon  this 
advice,  I  arranged  a  programme  for  making  several  visits 
to  valued  friends  in  South  Carolina  and  Georgia,  where  I 
shared  the  largest  and  most  generous  hospitality  and  derived 
the  greatest  enjoyment  and  benefit  from  the  journey. 

I  went  first  to  Charlotte,  on  my  way  to  the  South,  in 
order  to  attend  to  an  important  duty  there. 

Before  leaving  home  on  Saturday,  Jan.  24th,  I  preached 
in  the  Church  of  the  Good  Shepherd,  Raleigh.  I  left  on  Mon- 
day, January  25th,  and  the  next  day,  Tuesday,  January 
26th,  in  St.  Michael's  Church,  Charlotte,  I  preached  and 
admitted  to  the  Priesthood  Rev.  Primus  P.  Alston,  Deacon, 
the  minister  in  charge,  on  presentation  by  Rev.  B.  A. 
Osborne,  who,  with  Rev.  C.  N.  F.  Jeffery,  united  in  the  laying 
on  of  hands.     I  also  administered  the  Holy  Communion. 

Early  in  the  same  afternoon  I  took  the  train  for  Colum- 
bia, where  I  passed  a  few  days  very  pleasantly  with  kind 
and  valued  friends. 

Sunday,  January  31,  I  spent  most  agreeably  at  Union, 
S.  C. ;  preached  and  administered  the  Holy  Communion 
in  the  morning,  and  preached  again  at  the  evening  service, 
Rev.  B.  S.  Allston,  Rector  of  the  Parish,  conducting  the 
services. 

I  left  on  Monday  for  Charleston,  and  spent  part  of  the 
week  there  and  a  part  with  friends  residing  some  miles  out 
of  the  city,  and  greatly  enjoyed  my  visits. 

Sunday,  February  7th,  I  preached  in  St.  Philip's  Church, 
Charleston,  in  the  morning,  assisted  in  the  services  by  the 
Rector,  Rev.  Dr.  Johnson,  and  at  night  I  preached  to  the 
3* 


22  ADDRESS   OF   THE    BISHOP. 

large  colored  congregation  in  St.  Mark's  Church.  The 
following  Sunday,  February  14th,  I  preached  in  the  Church 
of  Prince  George,  Georgetown,  S.  C. ,  and  on  February  21, 
I  preached  in  St.  Paul's  Church,  Augusta,  Georgia. 

On  Tuesday  I  went  to  Atlanta,  and  on  Wednesday,  Feb- 
ruary 24th,  in  St.  Luke's  Cathedral,  I  took  part  in  the 
interesting  and  impressive  services  in  connection  with  the 
consecration  of  Rev.  Cleland  Kinloch  Nelson,  D.D.,  as 
Bishop  of  Georgia.  I  read  the  Epistle  in  the  Communion 
Service,  and  as  one  of  the  co-Consecrators,  united  in  the 
laying  on  of  hands. 

The  next  morning  I  left  for  Charlotte,  arriving  the  same 
evening. 

Friday,  February  26th,  I  commenced  my  Spring  visita- 
tion at  St.  Mark's  Church,  Mecklenburg  County,  and  after 
Morning  Prayer  by  Rev.  J.  B.  Cheshire,  Jr.,  D.D.,  and 
Rev.  C.  N.  F.  Jeffery,  I  preached,  confirmed  ten  persons, 
addressed  them  and  administered  the  Holy  Communion.  I 
was  pleased  to  find  this  congregation  in  an  increasingly 
prosperous  condition,  although  there  had  been  much 
serious  sickness  among  them,  and  no  little  distress  from 
•the  shortness  of  the  crops.  And  as  I  continued  my  visita- 
tion later,  in  the  more  easterly  district  of  the  Diocese,  it 
was  truly  painful  to  learn  how  very  many  of  our  people 
were  greatly  straitened  through  the  comparative  failure  of 
the  crops,  and  the  low  range  of  prices.  Many  find  it 
extremely  difficult  to  make  their  accustomed  offerings  for 
maintaining  among  them  the  ministrations  of  the  sanctu- 
ary.  Surely  those  who  are  more  richly  blessed  should  feel 
that  it  is  specially  incumbent  upon  them  to  contribute  in 
much  larger  measure  to  our  missionary  offerings,  so  that 
we  may  be  able  to  lend  a  helping  hand  to  many  of  our 
■clergy,  who  are  sorely  crippled  by  this  wide-spread  strin- 
gency. "  Bear  ye  one  another's  burdens,"  saith  the  Apos- 
tle, "and  so  fulfil  the  law  of  Christ." 


ADDRESS    OF   THE    BISHOP.  23 

Sunday,  February  28th,  in  St.  Peter's  Church,  Charlotte, 
I  preached  and  administered  the  Holy  Communion,  assisted 
in  the  services  by  the  Rector. 

At  4  P.  M.,  in  St.  Michael's  Church,  after  Evening  Prayer 
by  Rev.  P.  O.  Alston,  and  a  sermon  by  Dr.  Cheshire,  I 
confirmed  ten  persons  and  addressed  them.  At  night  I 
preached  again  in  St.  Peter's  Church. 

I  left  the  next  day  for  Monroe,  and  the  same  evening,  in 
St.  Paul's  Church,  after  Evening  Prayer  by  Rev.  Messrs. 
Quin  and  JefFery,  I  preached,  confirmed  eight  persons  and 
addressed  them.  The  service  awakened  much  interest,  and 
the  church  was  crowded  to  its  utmost  capacity.  The  pros- 
pects of  the  church  at  Monroe  are  most  encouraging.  Since 
my  visit  steps  have  been  taken  to  erect,  on  the  church  lot, 
a  suitable  Parsonage.  Monroe  is  an  excellent  centre  for  a 
large  mission  work,  which  I  am  most  anxious  should  be 
promptly  undertaken. 

Tuesday,  March  1st,  I  continued  my  journey  to  Laurel 
Hill  and  Malloy's  Factory,  where  quite  a  considerable  com- 
munity is  congregated.  We  have  there  the  use  of  a  com- 
modious Chapel,  and  our  services  are  much  appreciated. 
In  this  Chapel  on  Ash  Wednesday,  March  2d,  after  Morn- 
ing Prayer  by  Rev.  William  Walker,  I  preached,  confirmed 
three  persons  and  administered  the  Holy  Communion. 
Shortly  before  the  service  I  went  with  Mr.  Walker  to  a 
private  house  in  .the  neighborhood,  where  I  confirmed  a  sick 
man  who  had  long  been  confined  to  his  bed. 

I  was  much  gratified  to  find  at  our  Chapel  service  so 
large  and  attentive  a  congregation.  It  is  very  plain  that 
old  prejudices  are  rapidly  passing  away,  and  that  the  solemn 
and  impressive  services  of  the  church,  coupled  with  simple 
gospel  teaching,  are  finding  a  wider  and  more  general 
acceptance. 

Soon  after  the  services  I  took  the  train  to  Wadesboro, 
and  on  Thursday  was  driven  to  Ansonville. 


24  ADDRESS   OF   THE   BISHOP. 

Friday,  March  4th,  quite  a  large  congregation  assembled 
in  the  church,  and  after  the  Litany  by  Rev.  Mr.  Quin,  I 
preached  and  administered  the  Holy  Communion. 

We  held  a  service  in  the  evening,  when  the  church  was 
entirely  filled,  many  coming  from  a  considerable  distance. 
I  preached  and  confirmed  one  person.  One  other  candidate 
was  not  at  all  well  during  the  service,  and  I  confirmed  him 
in  private  early  the  next  morning. 

In  the  afternoon  I  was  driven  back  to  Wadesboro,  and 
delivered  a  lecture  in  Calvary  Church  in  the  evening. 

Sunday,  March  6th,  in  the  same  church,  after  Morning 
Prayer  by  Rev.  Mr.  Quin,  I  preached,  confirmed  seven 
persons,  addressed  them,  and  administered  the  Holy  Com- 
munion.    I  preached  again  at  the  evening  service. 

A  considerable  amount  has  already  been  secured  toward 
the  erection  of  a  new  church  in  Wadesboro,  and  much 
anxiety  is  manifested  to  enter  upon  the  work  during  the 
present  season.  Such  a  church  is  greatly  needed,  and  I 
feel  sure  would  do  much  to  secure  an  increasing  measure  of 
progress  and  prosperity. 

Monday,  March  7th,  I  returned  to  Raleigh,  after  an 
absence  of  many  weeks. 

Thursday,  March  10th,  in  Christ  Church,  after  Evening 
Prayer  by  Rev.  Dr.  Marshall,  I  delivered  a  lecture,  with 
special  reference  to  the  Lenten  season. 

Second  Sunday  in  Lent,  March  13th,  in  St.  Philip's 
Church,  Durham,  I  conducted  the  service,  baptized  three 
infants,  preached  and  administered  the  Holy  Communion. 

The  vigorous  efforts  of  the  Vestry  to  secure  a  Rector  for 
this  Parish  have  resulted  in  the  election  of  the  Rev.  Stewart 
McQueen,  who  has  accepted  the  charge  and  will  enter  upon 
his  duties  on  the  first  day  of  June. 

The  following  Sunday,  March  20th,  I  visited  St.  Mat- 
thew's Church,  Hillsboro.  I  found  the  Rector  too  unwell 
to  take  much  part  in  the  services.     I  preached,  confirmed 


ADDRESS   OF  THE    BISHOP.  25 

seven  persons  and  addressed  them.  I  took  part  also  in  the 
evening  service  at  five  o'clock. 

This  interesting  Parish  I  trust  may  not  be  long  without 
a  zealous  and  active  Rector.  Together  with  its  two  Mis- 
sion Stations,  it  presents  an  encouraging  field  where  much 
may  be  accomplished. 

I  returned  the  next  day  to  Raleigh. 

Saturday,  March  26th,  I  left  in  the  morning  for  Wilson, 
and  the  same  evening,  in  St.  Timothy's  Church,  I  took 
part  in  the  service. 

Fourth  Sunday  in  Lent,  March  27th,  in  same  church, 
after  Morning  Prayer  by  Rev.  C.  J.  Wingate,  I  preached, 
confirmed  seven  persons  and  addressed  them. 

At  night,  in  St.  Mark's  Church,  after  Evening  Prayer 
by  Rev.  Mr.  Perry,  I  preached,  confirmed  three  persons  and 
addressed  them. 

After  more  than  a  year's  vacancy  in  the  Rectorship  of 
St.  Timothy's,  I  was  rejoiced  to  find  the  vacancy  so  happily 
supplied  and  everything  connected  with  the  Parish  in  so 
prosperous  and  encouraging  a  condition.  A  strong  effort 
is  in  progress  looking  to  the  erection  of  a  new  and  larger 
church  edifice,  now  so  imperatively  demanded.  Nothing, 
I  am  sure,  but  the  general  financial  depression  now  so 
widely  prevailing  will  prevent  the  completion  of  this  work 
during  the  present  year. 

The  next  day,  at  noon,  I  took  the  train  to  Battleboro, 
and  at  night,  in  St.  John's  Church,  now  nearly  completed, 
I  conducted  the  services  and  preached.  As  this  mission 
has  been  almost  entirely  without  services  for  the  past  year, 
I  was  glad  to  find  that  the  interest  in  the  work  seemed 
unabated,  while  all  were  most  anxious  for  renewed  minis- 
terial services. 

Tuesday,  March  29th,  in  the  Church  of  the  Good  Shep- 
herd, Rocky  Mount,  I  conducted  the  services,  preached  and 
administered  the  Holy  Communion.     Here,  too,  there  has 


26  ADDRESS    OF   THE    BISHOP. 

been  a  long  vacancy  in  the  Rectorship,  although  the  most 
vigorous  efforts  have  been  made  for  its  supply.  The  mis- 
sion at  Battleboro  is  associated  with  the  Parish  at  Rocky 
Mount,  and  so  soon  as  the  Parish  can  be  supplied  the  mis- 
sion will  also  be  cared  for.  The  field  is  a  most  encourag- 
ing and  attractive  one,  and  I  am  deeply  concerned  that  it 
should  so  long  be  unsupplied. 

I  left  the  next  day  for  Tarboro,  and  at  night  in  St. 
Luke's  Church,  after  Evening  Prayer  by  Rev.  Mr.  Perry, 
I  preached  and  confirmed  one  person. 

Thursday,  March  31,  in  Calvary  Church,  Tarboro,  I 
celebrated  the  Holy  Communion  and  made  an  address  after 
the  Gospel.  At  night,  after  Evening  Prayer  by  Rev.  Mr. 
Hebbard,  I  preached,  confirmed  twenty-four  persons,  and 
addressed  them.  A  very  important  mission  work  is  car- 
ried on  in  several  districts  by  the  labors  of  lay  workers  of 
the  Parish,  under  the  immediate  direction  of  the  Rector, 
and  with  the  most  encouraging  results. 

Friday,  April  1,  I  was  driven  out  to  St.  Mary's  Chapel, 
Edgecombe  County,  one  of  the  Missions  of  Calvary  Church. 
After  Morning  Prayer  by  Rev.  Messrs.  Hebbard  and  Smith, 
I  preached,  confirmed  five  persons,  addressed  them  and 
administered  the  Holy  Communion.  The  same  evening  I 
was  driven  on  to  Scotland  Neck. 

Sunday,  April  3d,  in  Trinity  Church,  after  Morning 
Prayer  by  Rev.  W.  J.  Smith,  I  preached,  confirmed  two 
persons,  addressed  them,  and  administered  the  Holy  Com- 
munion. The  large  Church  was  entirely  filled,  and  much 
interest  was  manifested  in  the  services. 

Tuesday,  April  5th,  in  Church  of  the  Advent,  Enfield, 
I  was  assisted  in  the  services  by  Rev.  Mr.  Mellichampe.  I 
preached,  confirmed  five  persons,  addressed  them,  and 
administered  the  Holy  Communion.  Directly  after  the 
service,  I  went  to  the  house  of  a  member  of  the  congrega- 
tion who  was  seriously  ill,  and  confirmed  him  and  his  wife. 


ADDRESS   OF   THE   BISHOP.  2  J 

In  the  afternoon  I  was  driven  to  Ringwood,  and  the 
next  day,  in  St.  Clement's  Church,  after  the  Litany  by 
Rev.  Mr.  Mellichampe,  I  preached  and  administered  the 
Holy  Communion,  Rev.  Dr.  Smith,  although  quite  feeble, 
assisted  in  the  service.  I  believe  this  was  his  last  official 
act  before  he  was  taken  from  us,  only  a  little  more  than  a 
week  later.  We  greatly  need  at  once  a  zealous  and  active 
clergyman  to  take  charge  of  the  two  churches  at  Enfield 
and  Ringwood. 

Friday,  April  8th,  in  St.  Mark's  Church,  Halifax,  after 
the  Litany  by  Mr.  Mellichampe,  I  preached  and  adminis- 
tered the  Holy  Communion. 

At  night,  in  Grace  Church,  Weldon,  after  Evening 
Prayer  by  Mr.  Mellichampe,  I  preached,  confirmed  four 
persons  and  addressed  them. 

Sunday  before  Easter,  April  10,  in  the  Church  of  the 
Saviour,  Jackson,  Rev.  Mr.  Picard  assisted  in  the  service, 
I  preached,  confirmed  three  persons,  and  administered  the 
Holy  Communion. 

At  5  p.  m.  I  confirmed  a  lady  at  her  own  house,  and  at 
5:30,  in  the  Church,  assisted  at  the  evening  service. 

Tuesday,  April  12th,  I  preached  in  St.  Luke's  Church, 
Gaston,  assisted  in  the  service  by  Rev.  Edward  Benedict, 
who  has  charge  of  that  Mission. 

Wednesday,  April  12th,  I  crossed  the  Roanoke  at  an 
early  hour  to  Gaston  Station,  where  I  took  the  morning 
train  to  Littleton,  reaching  there  before  8  o'clock. 

At  10:30  in  the  Chapel  of  the  Cross,  I  found  the  largest 
congregation  I  had  ever  seen  in  Littleton;  and  after  the 
Litany  by  Rev.  Mr.  Mellichampe,  I  preached,  confirmed 
seven  persons,  and  addressed  them.  With  the  very  large 
field  under  the  care  of  Mr.  Mellichampe,  he  greatly  needs 
an  active  helper  co  be  associated  with  him.  There  is  every 
promise  of  most  encouraging  results,  but  the  labors  are 
really  beyond  the  strength  of  any  one  clergyman.      Alasl 


28  ADDRESS   OF   THE    BISHOP. 

my  dear  brethren,  on  nearly  every  side  we  have  abundant 
evidence  of  the  lack  of  sufficient  laborers  for  the  work 
which  needs  to  be  done,  and  I  see  not  how  this  want  is  to 
be  supplied,  unless  every  encouragement  is  given  to  devout 
and  earnest  young  men  to  devote  themselves  to  the  work 
of  the  holy  ministry.  Our  attention  must  be  more  turned 
to  the  young  men  of  our  own  Diocese  to  supply  these 
pressing  needs. 

Shortly  after  the  close  of  the  service  at  Littleton,  I  took 
the  train  for  Ridgeway,  and  then  was  driven  five  miles  into 
the  country,  to  St.  Luke's  Church,  Warren  County,  where 
we  have  a  small  colored  congregation.  Rev.  Wm.  Walker 
conducted  the  service,  after  which  I  made  an  address  on 
the  subject  of  confirmation;  confirmed  five  persons  and 
addressed  them. 

Thursday,  April  14th,  in  the  Church  of  the  Good  Shep- 
herd, Ridgeway,  after  Morning  Prayer  by  Rev.  W.  S.  Pet- 
tigrew  and  Rev.  Wm.  Walker,  I  preached,  confirmed  two 
persons,  and  administered  the  Holy  Communion. 

Good  Friday,  April  15th,  in  the  church  at  Middleburg, 
after  Morning  Prayer  by  Mr.  Pettigrew,  I  preached  and 
administered  the  Holy  Communion. 

Easter  Day,  April  17th,  in  St.  John's  Church,  Williams- 
boro,  a  very  large  congregation  assembled.  I  preached, 
confirmed  one  person,  and  administered  the  Holy  Com- 
munion, assisted  in  the  services  by  Rev.  Mr.  Pettigrew. 

Tuesday,  April  19th,  was  a  day  of  marked  interest.  The 
graceful  and  attractive  Church  of  the  Holy  Innocents,  at 
Henderson,  was  then  consecrated.  Several  of  the  clergy 
from  a  distance,  and  the  choir  of  the  Church  of  the  Good 
Shepherd,  Raleigh,  came  to  take  part  in  the  sacred  solem- 
nity. At  11  o'clock  the  Bishop  entered  the  Church  and 
led  the  procession  to  the  Chancel,  reciting  the  opening 
Psalm  of  the  Consecration  Services.  The  deed  of  dona- 
tion was  read  by  the  Senior  Warden,  Mr.  G.  C.  Lamb,  and 


ADDRESS   OF   THE    BISHOP.  29 

the  sentence  of  consecration  by  the  Rev.  J.  B.  Ingle, 
Rector  of  the  Parish.  The  Bishop  continued  the  conse- 
cration office,  and  at  its  close  Morning  Prayer  was  read  by 
Rev.  J.  M.  Horner  and  Rev.  M.  T.  Turner.  In  the  Com- 
munion office  the  Epistle  was  read  by  Rev.  F.  L,.  Bush, 
and  the  Gospel  by  Rev.  A.  B.  Hunter.  The  sermon  was 
preached  by  the  Bishop,  who  also  administered  the  Holy 
Communion.  Rev.  C.  C.  Quin  acted  as  Chaplain  to  the 
Bishop,  carrying  before  him  the  Pastoral  Staff.  Rev.  Mr. 
Pittenger,  of  Raleigh,  was  also  present.  A  very  large  con- 
gregation was  in  attendance,  and  all  ■  seemed  greatly  to 
enjoy  the  impressive  service. 

I  left  the  next  morning  for  Oxford,  and  at  night,  in  St. 
Stephen's  Church,  after  Evening  Prayer  by  Rev.  Messrs. 
Horner  and  Quin,  I  preached,  confirmed  sixteen  persons 
and  addressed  them.  Rev.  Wm.  W.  Walker,  Rector  of  the 
Parish,  took  part  in  the  service.  This  Parish  is  in  a  very 
prosperous  condition,  and  greatly  needs  a  new  and  larger 
Church  edifice.  A  vigorous  effort  to  this  end  is  now  in 
progress,  and  I  trust  it  may  be  crowned  with  complete 
success. 

Thursday,  April  21,  I  visited  St.  Paul's  Church,  Goshen. 
Rev.  Messrs.  W.  W.  Walker  and  J.  M.  Horner  accom- 
panied me  and  took  part  in  the  service.  I  preached  and 
administered  the  Holy  Communion.  Mr.  Horner  officiates 
here  one  Sunday  in  each  month,  and  an  increasing  interest  is 
manifested  in  the  services.  Mr.  Walker  remained  with  me 
until  the  next  morning,  and  we  then  drove  back  to  Oxford. 

On  Saturday  I  went  to  Kittrell,  and  on  Sunday,  April 
24th,  in  St.  James'  Church,  the  Rector,  Rev.  M.  T.  Turner, 
assisted  in  the  service.  I  preached  and  administered  the 
Holy  Communion.  I  took  part  also  in  the  evening  service. 
The  next  morning  I  went  by  the  early  train  to  Raleigh. 

Sunday,  May  1st,  in  Christ  Church,  Raleigh,  after  Morn- 
ing Prayer  by  Rev.  Dr.  Marshall,  I  preached,  confirmed  a 


30  ADDRESS    OF   THE    BISHOP. 

class  of  twelve  persons,  addressed  them  and  administered 
the  Holy  Communion. 

At  night,  in  St.  Augustine's  Church,  after  Evening  Prayer 
by  Rev.  W.  Walker  and  Rev.  H.  B.  Delany,  I  preached, 
confirmed  fourteen  persons  and  addressed  them.  The  church 
was  more  crowded  than  I  have  ever  seen  it,  and  a  very 
unusual  interest  was  manifested. 

Monday,  May  2d,  I  held  an  Ordination  in  the  same 
church,  and  admitted  to  the  Priesthood  Rev.  H.  B.  Delany, 
Deacon,  who  for  some  time  has  been  assisting  in  the  ser- 
vices at  that  church.  Morning  Prayer  was  read  by  Rev. 
Dr.  Bennett  Smedes  and  I.  McK.  Pittenger,  the  sermon 
was  preached  by  Rev.  A.  B.  Hunter,  the  candidate  was 
presented  by  Rev.  Dr.  Marshall,  and  all  the  clergy  present 
united  in  the  laying  on  of  hands.  The  Holy  Communion 
was  then  administered.     A  large  congregation  was  present. 

Sunday,  May  8th,  in  the  Church  of  the  Good  Shepherd, 
Raleigh,  after  Morning  Prayer  by  Rev.  I.  McK.  Pittenger, 
I  preached,  confirmed  fifteen  persons,  addressed  them,  and 
administered  the  Holy  Communion. 

Mr.  Pittenger  entered  upon  the  Rectorship  of  this  Parish 
last  September,  and  has  been  very  kindly  and  cordially 
received.  The  congregation  has  been  steadily  increasing, 
and  a  deepening  interest  seems  to  be  manifested  by  the  mem- 
bers of  the  congregation.  The  Rectory  has  been  much 
improved  and  made  a  very  comfortable  home.  A  vested 
choir  has  been  introduced,  which  meets  with  much  favor, 
while  the  organ  recess  and  the  chancel  have  been  enlarged 
and  improved. 

The  evening  of  the  same  day  I  made  my  visitation  to  St. 
Mary's  School.  At  6  the  pupils  entered  the  Chapel,  sing- 
ing a  processional  hymn.  After  Evening  Prayer  by  Rev. 
B.  Smedes,  I  confirmed  thirteen  of  the  pupils  of  the  school 
and  addressed  them.  The  Chapel  was  crowded,  and  the 
services  were  very  beautiful  and  impressive. 


ADDRESS    OF   THE    BISHOP.  3 1 

I  am  pleased  to  add  here  that  the  School  is  in  a  more 
prosperous  condition  than  for  many  years  past,  and  is  fully 
sustaining-  its  high  reputation  for  thorough  scholarship  and 
for  that  refined  and  elevated  tone  for  which  it  has  ever  been 
distinguished.  This  next  month  will  complete  the  half 
century  since  its  establishment,  and  when  we  recall  the 
widespread  influence  for  good  which  has  emanated  from 
this  noble  institution,  well  may  we  rejoice  in  connection 
with  its  happy  jubilee.  May  it  long  continue  sending 
forth,  as  from  a  perennial  fountain,  those  pure,  and  Chris- 
tian, and  ennobling  influences  which  shall  make  it  an 
enduring  blessing  to  generations  yet  unborn. 

And  now,  dear  brethren  of  the  Clergy  and  Laity,  I  have 
thus  given  you  an  outline  of  the  duties  which  have  been 
discharged  by  me  since  our  last  Convention.  While  deeply 
regretting  that  my  health  has  been,  at  times,  so  much 
impaired  as  in  some  degree  to  interrupt  my  public  duties, 
yet  I  am  sure  you  will  recognize  the  fact  that  quite  a  large 
amount  of  work  has  been  accomplished,  and  you  will  also 
agree  with  me  that  we  have  great  cause  for  encouragement. 
We  have  made  several  valuable  accessions  to  the  ranks  of 
the  clergy,  and  I  do  not  remember  any  time  since  I  first 
came  among  you  when  more  interest  was  shown  in  the 
work  of  the  Church  or  a  readier  disposition  to  stay  up  the 
hands  and  encourage  the  hearts  of  those  who  are  minister- 
ing among  you. 

The  following  is  a  summary  of  duties  discharged  by  me 
during  the  past  year :  I  have  baptized  three  adults  and  ten 
infants  ;  have  confirmed  three  hundred  and  eighty-one  can- 
didates ;  have  preached  one  hundred  and  two  sermons  and 
delivered  fifty  addresses ;  have  officiated  at  one  funeral ; 
have  ordained  six  Priests  and  two  Deacons ;  have  conse- 
crated seven  Churches,  and  administered  the  Holy  Com- 
munion on  sixty-two  occasions. 

I  have  given  Letters  Dismissory  and  received  notice  of 


32  ADDRESS   OF   THE    BISHOP. 

acceptance  in  behalf  of  Rev.  Milnor  Jones,  Deacon,  to  the 
Diocese  of  Oregon  ;  Rev.  Arthur  N.  Wrixon,  to  the  Diocese 
of  Maine ;  Rev.  Charles  L.  Hoffman,  to  the  Diocese  of 
Bast  Carolina  ;  Rev.  Henry  S.  McDuffey,  to  the  Diocese  of 
South  Carolina;  Rev.  Charles  F.  Drake,  M.  D.,  to  the 
Diocese  of  Springfield. 

And  by  Letters  Dismissory  I  have  received  the  following  : 
Rev.  I.  McK.  Pittenger,  from  the  Diocese  of  Long  Island  ; 
Rev.  Gerard  W.  Phelps,  from  the  Diocese  of  Virginia ; 
Rev.  J.  W.  Barker,  Deacon,  from  the  Diocese  of  Florida ; 
Rev.  Scott  B.  Rathbun,  from  the  Diocese  of  Albany  ;  Rev. 
Charles  Ferris,  from  the  Diocese  of  Connecticut ;  Rev. 
Freeman  W.  Dunn,  Deacon,  from  the  Diocese  of  Georgia, 
and  Rev.  Edward  Benedict,  from  the  Diocese  of  Newark. 

Rev.  Mr.  Pittenger  has  charge  of  the  Church  of  the  Good 
Shepherd,  Raleigh  ;  Rev.  G.  W.  Phelps  is  officiating  at 
Shelby  and  Rutherfordton  ;  Rev.  J.  W.  Barker  is  assisting 
Rev.  J.  A.  Deal  in  his  large  missionary  district  ;  Rev. 
Charles  Ferris  has  charge  of  the  congregations  at  Lexing- 
ton and  High  Point  ;  Rev.  Mr.  Rathbun  has  become  Rector 
of  St.  John's  Church  in  the  Wilderness,  at  Flat  Rock. 
Rev.  Charles  J.  Wingate  has  resigned  the  Rectorship  of 
St.  Philip's  Church,  Durham,  and  has  become  Rector  of 
St.  Timothy's  Church,  Wilson.  Rev.  Edward  Benedict 
has  charge  of  the  congregations  at  Warrenton,  Jackson  and 
Gaston.  The  Rev.  Frederick  Towers  has  resigned  the 
charge  of  the  congregations  at  Warrenton,  Jackson  and 
Gaston,  and  has  become  Rector  of  the  Chapel  of  the  Cross, 
Chapel  Hill.  The  Rev.  Joseph  W.  Murphy,  in  consequence 
of  continued  ill-health,  resigned  some  months  since  the 
charge  of  St.  Matthew's  Church,  Hillsboro,  to  take  effect 
at  Easter,  and  has  removed  to  Washington  City,  D.  C. 
Rev.  Freeman  W.  Dunn  has  taken  charge  of  Trinity  Chapel, 
Asheville,  made  vacant  by  the  removal  of  Rev.  H.  S. 
McDuffey  to  South  Carolina. 


ADDRESS   OF   THE    BISHOP.  33 

Rev.  Edward  P.  Green  has  accepted  the  Rectorship  of 
Grace  Church,  Morganton,  and  has  entered  upon  its  duties. 
Rev.  Charles  T.  Bland  has  resigned  the  missionary  work 
at  Marion  and  Old  Fort,  and  has  become  Rector  of  St. 
Bartholomew's  Church,  Pittsboro. 

The  whole  number  of  the  Clergy  now  connected  with 
the  Diocese  is  sixty-four. 

The  candidates  for  Priests  Orders  are  :  Rev.  William  F. 
Rice,  Deacon,  and  Messrs.  Nathan  A.  Seagle,  George  V. 
Gilreath,  St.  Clair  Hester,  and  J.  D.  Miller. 

The  candidates  for  Deacons  Orders  are  :  Messrs.  S.  A.  B. 
Trott,  Sidney  S.  Bost,  H.  M.  Parker,  Robert  Bruce  Owens, 
Gaston  Battle  and  Abner  Hill. 

The  Postulants  are :  Messrs.  Edward  L,.  Whitehead, 
John  H.  Gilreath,  John  Creighton  Seagle,  Alfred  James 
Griffin,  Thomas  Cogdell  Wetmore,  John  R.  Brooks  and 
Herbert  B.  Trussell. 

I  regret  to  add  that  there  are  still  several  important 
vacancies  in  the  Diocese,  and  these,  I  trust,  will  soon  be 
happily  supplied. 

In  our  extensive  mission  fields  we  greatly  need  several 
active  and  efficient  clergymen.  The  prospects  of  growth 
and  progress  are  every  way  most  promising,  but  the  insuf- 
ficiency of  our  missionary  funds  renders  it  well-nigh  impos- 
sible, at  this  time,  to  provide  for  these  needs.  And,  my 
dear  brethren,  I  feel  it  a  great  and  imperative  duty  to  urge 
again  upon  all  our  people  a  livelier  and  more  intelligent 
interest  in  the  extended  missionary  districts  which  are  lying 
all  around  us.  We  are  losing  many  noble  opportunities 
where  the  fields  are  ripe  for  the  harvest,  and  where  the 
most  cheering  results  could  be  accomplished  if  only  we 
could  sustain  the  laborers  whom  we  may  be  able  to  procure. 
May  God  help  us  all  duly  to  recognize  both  our  opportu- 
nities and  our  obligations.  May  He  inspire  us  with  courage 
and  faith  and  that  holy  kindling  love  which  shall  impel  us 


34  ADDRESS    OF    THE    BISHOP. 

to  seek  first  the  kingdom  of  God  and  make  it  our  meat  and 
our  drink  to  do  His  holy  will.  And  may  we  all  remember 
that  gifts  and  sacrifices  which  are  cheerfully  made  for  the 
promotion  of  the  glory  of  God  will  always  be  found  laden 
with  richer  blessings  to  him  who  gives  than  to  him  who 
receives  the  gift.  For  there  is  no  declaration  of  Divine  wis- 
dom which  is  more  true  than  the  language  of  that  apparent 
parodox,  "There  is  that  scattereth  and  yet  increaseth, 
and  there  is  that  withholdeth  more  than  is  meet  but  it 
tendeth  to  poverty." 

Before  concluding  this  address,  permit  me  to  say  a  few 
words  in  regard  to  the  different  institutions  which  hold  a 
close  relation  to  the  Diocese. 

The  Ravenscroft  High  School  for  Boys  has  been  increas- 
ingly prosperous  during  the  past  year,  so  that  some  pro- 
vision will  need  very  soon  to  be  made  for  enlarging  the 
accommodation  for  boarding  pupils. 

The  Ravenscroft  Theological  Training  School,  which 
has  its  home  in  Schoenberger  Hall,  has  been  much  hindered 
in  its  work  during  the  past  year,  but  we  hope  very  soon  to 
see  it  upon  an  improved  basis,  and  carrying  on  successfully 
the  important  work  for  which  it  was  established. 

The  Thompson  Orphanage,  under  the  judicious  guidance 
of  Rev.  E.  A.  Osborne,  is  moving  steadily  onward  in  its 
important  work  of  mercy  and  of  charity,  but  much  per- 
plexity is  often  occasioned  by  the  irregularity  and  uncer- 
tainty in  the  supply  of  those  funds  upon  which  it  is  so 
entirely  dependent.  The  Orphanage  greatly  needs  some 
fixed  income  upon  which  it  can  count  with  confidence  for 
the  supply  of  a  part,  at  least,  of  its  daily  needs.  Let  us  hope 
that,  as  the  great  benefits  bestowed  by  this  institution  are 
better  known  and  appreciated,  there  will  be  clearly  mani- 
fested among  our  people  an  increasing  disposition  to  devise 
more  liberal  things  for  the  furtherance  of  so  noble  and 
necessary  a  work.      I  am  glad   to  know  that  through  the 


ADDRESS    OF   THE    BISHOP.  35 

generous  bounty  of  one  of  its  faithful  friends,  a  convenient 
and  attractive  Chapel  has  been  erected  during  the  past  year, 
which  greatly  adds  to  the  convenience,  the  dignity  and 
beauty  of  the  daily  worship,  and  of  consequence  increases 
the  interest  in  that  worship. 

There  are  also,  in  connection  with  this  Orphanage,  other 
very  urgent  needs,  the  supply  of  which  is  indispensable  for 
the  successful  prosecution  of  the  work.  Let  us  hope  and 
pray  that  every  liberal  benefaction  which  is  bestowed  may 
prove  a  powerful  stimulus  to  other  kind  and  sympathizing 
"hearts,  encouraging  such  further  generous  gifts  as  will 
place  this  Orphanage  upon  a  solid  basis,  and  make  it  an 
increasing  power  for  good. 

Nor  should  I  fail  to  remind  you  of  the  plan  which  has 
been,  in  part,  inaugurated  to  establish  near  Salisbury  a 
school  for  boys,  where  a  sound,  Christian  education  may 
be  placed  within  the  reach  of  very  many  who  cannot  afford 
the  advantages  of  more  costly  schools.  An  excellent  and 
valuable  property  has  been  secured,  and  a  day  school  has 
been  opened.  But  a  considerable  increase  of  funds  is 
greatly  needed,  more  fully  to  develop  this  important  plan. 
The  remaining  debt  upon  the  property  should  be  cleared 
off  as  soon  as  it  is  possible;  and  further  funds  are  also 
greatly  needed  to  cover  a  part  of  the  cost  of  carrying  on 
the  school.  Would  that  an  effort  so  praiseworthy  as  this 
might  find  many  and  generous  supporters. 

And  now,  with  a  few  words  of  a  more  strictly  personal 
character,  I  will  not  trespass  longer  upon  your  patience. 

The  occasional  interruptions  of  my  work  during  the  past 
two  years  from  impaired  health,  the  result,  perhaps,  of  too 
close  and  protracted  attention  to  official  duties,  warns  me 
of  the  necessity  of  somewhat  lightening  my  public  labors. 
And  I  think  this  can  be  accomplished  without  any  material 
loss  to  the  Diocese.  Many  of  my  most  toilsome  and 
exhausting  visitations  are  to  very  feeble  Missions,  in  remote 


36 


ADDRESS   OF   THE    BISHOP. 


districts,  where  no  serious  hindrance  would  be  sustained  if 
the  visits  were  less  frequently  made.  By  going  only  once 
in  two  years  to  many  of  these  places,  every  needed  purpose 
would  be  accomplished  and  I  should  thus  find  my  duties 
materially  lightened.  If  we  can  only  provide  a  regular 
supply  of  services  in  all  destitute  parts  of  the  Diocese,  a 
little  longer  interval  between  the  visits  of  the  Bishop  would 
prove  no  very  serious  discouragement.  But  we  do  need  an 
increase  of  earnest,  active  missionaries,  and  for  them  let  us 
not  cease  to  pray. 

And  now,  commending  you  all  to  the  care  and  guidance 
of  the  Great  Shepherd  of  the  Sheep,  let  me  invoke  upon 
you  His  rich  and  abundant  blessing. 

THEODORE  B.   LYMAN, 
Bishop  of  North  Carolina. 


